Just sold my 911, time for a 930?

[zbph10]

I went for a ride in a coworkers 1981 930 a couple weeks ago and fell in love with the car. He's done some work to it (360 HP) and I was just in awe with the boost and turbo/waste gate noises coming from the beast.

I came back and just for fun put my 911 up for sale and it sold.

I've been pouring over threads on Pelican and all over the internet researching what to buy. There sure seems to be a lot of choices in the $40,000-$50,000 area but I'm really leaning towards a 1989 930 with the 5 speed.

I even found a 2003 twin turbo with 41,000 miles for $54,000, sure seems cheap. In that price range there are all kinds of choices but I love the 930 look.

I also need a car I can actually work on myself. I rebuilt the motor in the 911 and do all my own maintenance so that's a plus for the 930.

If anyone has gone through the same situation or has advice please pass it on. Also if you know of any good 89 930's out there let me know.

I love this forum of fellow Porsche addicts, cause right now I need an intervention.

Thanks
Brian

[JeremyD]

I went through this a few years ago - my issue with finding a turbo was finding one that didn't have stories. I decided to keep my story less g-50 cab although I still lust for the bulging fenders.

[mede8er]

Everyone should have one of each...2 entirely different cars...

[widgeon13]

This is sort of the ultimate"while I'm in there"

No wait, I'll just sell it and go crazy. Actually, it's the reason I don't drive other people's cars, I always want them!

Looking forward to see where you land!! Good luck.

[sand_man]

It's certainly no secret that I adore mine...it's driven daily! However, I wouldn't be willing to pay a premium for the '89 model. Many of us (myself included) have been perfectly happy with the "typical" 930 4-speed tranny and cable actuated clutch.

If I were thinking of paying the premium that most '89 models seem to bring, I'd go the distance and purchase a 964 C2 Turbo (965). Better suspension, better turbo, better intercooler, better A/C (so I'm told), etc. In addition, these cars still retain the basic 3.3L CIS engine that the 930 is known for, only with fully finned cylinders. And while the 965 styling is a bit more modern than your run of the mill "accordian bumper 930", most agree that the 965s are stunning!

[MOMO3.2]

Just here to support your appreciation of the 930. If you were able to rebuild your 911, it would make sense that you could handle any mechanical issues with a 930 as well. I would focus on finding a 930 with outstanding original paint and no history of accidents, body work, or rust.

Let us know what you find.

Mike

[mede8er]

Originally Posted by sand_man

It's certainly no secret that I adore mine...it's driven daily! However, I wouldn't be willing to pay a premium for the '89 model. Many of us (myself included) have been perfectly happy with the "typical" 930 4-speed tranny and cable clutch.

If I were thinking of paying the premium that most '89 models seem to bring, I'd go the distance and purchase a 964 C2 Turbo (965). Better suspension, better turbo, better intercooler, better A/C (so I'm told), etc. In addition, these cars still retain the basic 3.3L CIS engine that the 930 is known for, only with fully finned cylinders. And while the 965 styling is a bit more modern than your run of the mill "accordian bumper 930", most agree that the 965s are stunning!

+1 on the 4 speed for street purposes...and I'd up that to a 993 Turbo if you want to be done with it....

[Porsche_monkey]

I would love a 930. But I also love my 3.2 cab and it is a cheap reliable car. I stay away from 930's just for maintenance and cost reasons. Because other than that I would buy one.

The secret is not to drive nice cars. Stay in your own car.

[Gogar]

I think you should go for it! I think the only different 'rule of thumb' from a 911 is that you can expect your parts/maintenance to be about double the cost.

Of course, that's only a problem if you find a car with a bad story. Good luck!

[sand_man]

I dunno, you guys might actually be surprised at how dependable well sorted 930s really are! Having said that, mine will leave me stranded on the way home...

[javadog]

I haven't found any significant maintenance cost or reliability issues between a 911 and 930 and I have owned several of each over the last 25 years or so. Find a stock example that has no deferred maintenance issues, a good ownership history and reasonable (or low) mileage.

I like the 4 speed cars too, although a '91-'94 car could tempt me.

JR

[Shadetree930]

Search until you find an unmolested sample with reasonable (~50k) miles , no stories, and no issues.

You will pay a premium for such a car, but it will be money well spent. In the end, you pay that same premium for cheaper cars, its just after the initial purchase and is a little more frustrating.

Follow this advice and 930 ownership is much like 3.2 ownership*.


*Except the fun factor is amazing!

[F350Lawman]

YES...we welcome you to the Dark Side!!! The fact that you even thought about it, has sealed your fate...there is no turning back now.

[Schwarzeritter]

It really honestly dose not matter if you own a molested 911, 930, 964, 993 etc Ferrari or Honda civic, if it's abused and in really rough condition and parts are either no longer produced or hard too come by its going to be costly. But if you maintain the car and when you do romp it actually give the mechanicals there specified look over. You should be in good shape.

The question becomes : How do you like your tea, with milk? With sugar? One lump or two?
I like the 911 turbo from 74~89 for the raw unrefined explosion of power at about 3800.
I like the SC & 3.2 Carerra for there own personality. The question is do you like boost or razor sharp NA's engines. Both if tuned " properly " will cost a bad-Jesus of money, and both will be very fun in different arena's of play.

Also I think its a matter of what makes you happy end result.
Go with your first instinct. If it says 930 go that route etc.

Good luck there!

P.S. The only + is that electronic fuel injection enables you somewhat more manipulation
and control over computer tuning, where as the CIS is very raw and challengingly fun.
different tricks for different kicks. ^_^

[zbph10]

Thanks for all the feedback,

I plan to wait for the "right" car for me how ever long it takes. Like you guys have said the 89's bring a premium so I've got to decide what the heck to do.

I've come across quite a few very reasonably priced 86-88 930's but the 89's are much harder to find.

I'm really torn on the 5 speed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Garage sure looks empty without the 911

Keep the advice coming

Thanks

[zbph10]

Found a nice 91 964 turbo in my price range, are these much different to maintain than than 87-89's?

[ted]

930 is the natural progression...
I went from a n/a 3.2 to 3.6 and have enjoyed fine tuning my left braking and car control.
I always thought if I could handle these n/a motors I would try a 930 for a completely new driving challenge.
So recently I drove a 930 4 speed over some nice/faster 2nd and 3rd gear country roads...
Left foot braking, dragging the brake mid turn to keep it on boost/eliminate any turbo lag so you could hit a later apex full boost track out and get ready to shift... all the sudden you are triple digits, ready to bang into 3rd? 120 mph real quick.
The speeds and gearing on those cars make it tough to play on tight city streets.
They are fun!!!!

[sscates]

I have an 82 930 (grey market). I was looking just as you are and bought the nicest car I could find. I have had it five years and done preventative mx only. This is the most dependable Porsche I've had. To reference, I've had an SC, 993S, and a Boxster S. The other ones have come and gone and the 930 still resides. I wanted a five speed as well, but I heard the valuable ones down the road will be the 4 speeds. The 5 speed will make the car a little quicker I suppose. Anyway, good advice in this thread. Don't comprimise. No stories what so ever. Resprays are alright if it's done right with the original color. Unusual color would be better. Enough, enough! With the economy softening, you should be able to find a great example.

[MT930]

I don't think the extra gear is worth the $10K+ price increase. Certainly on the street. On the track 5th could be handy. The 930 gear box has some pretty tall gears. I doubt you would miss it. The 89's may hold value better because it was the only year with the 5 speed. I have never wished for 5th on the street. You can most likely buy the 4 speed at less cost with more prospective cars to look at. Wait for the right one, people tend to beat on them. I looked a several hammered cars at higher costs before I found mine. These are very unforgiving of careless driving but more drivable and safer than the early 930's. Addictive is all I can say. The nature of the 911 is amplified with the boost factor. The track is the best place to explore these early after you bring one home.

[sand_man]

Originally Posted by zbph10

Found a nice 91 964 turbo in my price range, are these much different to maintain than than 87-89's?

No. Again, it's the same CIS based 3.3L engine only with better fully finned cylinders, better intercooler, better (simpler) compressor by-pass valve, and a better turbo. In addition you get the coil-over suspension, the five speed tranny, with hydraulic actuated clutch, and more modern looks, yet still retaining the wide body. Not to mention the A/C might actually work.